Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have been prolific scorers in recent years, regularly finding the back of the net against NHL goaltenders. However, at the start of the 2024-25 season, both forwards for the Edmonton Oilers are struggling with poor puck luck.
Hyman, 32, led the team in goals last season with a career-best 54, ranking third in the league while converting 18.6% of his shots. Two years ago, Nugent-Hopkins set a career-high of 37 goals, also shooting at an 18.6% rate.
This season, though, both players have seen their shooting percentages drop well below the league average of 10.5%. Hyman has scored just three goals on 5.9% shooting, while Nugent-Hopkins has two goals on 4.6% shooting.
Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch explained that a player’s success in scoring is often influenced by a combination of luck and circumstances. He pointed out that while Hyman’s typical shooting percentage is around 14% (currently 13.4%), some players, like Nugent-Hopkins, may not be getting high-quality shots. Knoblauch cited instances where Nugent-Hopkins hit the crossbar and the goalie’s stick, which could have been goals, adding that if those shots had gone in, his shooting percentage would likely be closer to his career average of 11.9%.
Knoblauch also acknowledged that some players, like Leon Draisaitl, are naturally better shooters. Draisaitl, known for his powerful one-timers, has a career shooting percentage of 18.5% and is currently enjoying a 26.7% shooting percentage this season, sharing the league lead with Florida’s Sam Reinhart at 16 goals.
In practice, the Oilers have focused on skill development, which is usually done in the offseason but was limited this past summer due to a short break after their deep playoff run. Knoblauch emphasized the importance of continued skill work during the season, noting that players need to stay sharp with their puck handling and stick skills to maintain confidence in their game.
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